Union Mourns the Loss of Dedicated Activist, Leader

by Cathy Scott, President, AFSCME District Council 47  |  January 14, 2013

It is with deep sorrow that we announce Rita Urwitz, Vice President of AFSCME District Council 47 and Local 2186, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 6.

Rita was very active in AFSCME DC47 since she began working as a social worker for the City of Philadelphia in 1980. Rita was a strong advocate for children, labor, and social justice issues, fighting hard to protect public services for all.

Rita's boundless energy was seen in her many accomplishments whether it was overseeing the AFSCME DC47 Political Action Committee; engaging in an ACLU lawsuit against the City of Philadelphia, which changed the way abuse and neglect cases are handled in Philadelphia; leading a groundbreaking wellness and disease management program for DC47; or working on a domestic partnership ordinance that passed in the City of Philadelphia — to name a few.

Shortly before her passing, Rita and her longtime partner, Carol, were married in Maryland enabling Rita to fulfill a longtime personal wish. AFSCME District Council 47 membership has lost a leader, advocate and dear friend.